Retention & Drainage Aid
Cationic PAM as retention aid in wet-end paper making. Improves filler retention, reduces fiber loss, and increases machine speed through better drainage.
PAM for Paper Making Retention & Drainage
Paper mills use PAM as a retention aid to improve filler and fiber retention, and as a drainage aid to speed water removal. We supply paper-grade PAM to mills across Southeast Asia and India.
How PAM Works
Retention Aid (Cationic PAM)
CPAM at 2-5 kg/ton pulp improves retention of filler (clay, CaCO3) and fine fibers. This reduces raw material loss and improves paper quality.
- Charge density: 40-60%
- Molecular weight: 8-12 million Da
- Benefit: +5-15% retention improvement
Case Study
Tissue Mill: Machine speed 800→950 m/min (+19%), Filler retention 72%→85%
Product Selection Guide
| Application | Grade | Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Primary application | APAM/CPAM 12-18M MW | 2-8 ppm |
| Sludge dewatering | CPAM 8-12M MW, 40-60% | 5-12 kg/t DS |
Dosing Tips
- Always jar test first. Application-specific wastewater requires optimization. A 30-minute jar test saves weeks of field trial.
- Prepare fresh solution daily. PAM solution degrades after 24-48 hours. Use chlorine-free water.
- Gentle mixing. High shear breaks polymer chains. Use 30-50 RPM for 5-10 minutes after PAM addition.
- Monitor for overdosing. Too much PAM causes charge reversal — flocs redisperse and turbidity increases.
- Batch consistency matters. We test every batch for MW (±0.5M tolerance) and retain samples for 24 months. If performance varies, it's a supplier problem, not a PAM problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PAM performance vary batch to batch?
This is almost always a supplier consistency problem. Trading companies source from whoever is cheapest each month. We are the factory. Every batch is tested for MW and charge density. If you have a performance issue, we can compare your batch against retained samples.
Can I use the same PAM for clarification and dewatering?
Not optimal. Clarification needs APAM (anionic) at low dosage. Dewatering needs CPAM (cationic) at much higher dosage. Using one grade for both is a compromise — you'll either over-dose or under-perform.
What is the shelf life of PAM?
Properly stored (sealed bags, dry warehouse, below 35°C), PAM powder lasts 2-3 years. Once opened, use within 6 months. Emulsion PAM: 6-12 months sealed, 3 months after opening.
Recommended Products
Other Paper Making Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you address the challenge of "low filler retention increasing raw material costs"?+
What results can I expect for "slow drainage limiting machine speed"?+
Which products help solve "white water loop buildup of fines"?+
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